Monday, November 26, 2007

This year all the Baileys met in Provo at Andy and Laurie's house for Thanksgiving. Robin, Emily and the kids drove down from Logan on Wednesday. Liz also drove to Provo on Wednesday. LaRue and I drove out early Thanksgiving morning.

It was a really fun time with everyone. Then the next morning we decided to do some shopping. Yeah..on Black Friday. But we didn't get up at 4 Am to do it! Even at that we got a few good bargains for Christmas.

Robin and family went back to Logan on Friday. LaRue and I decided to stay an extra day and come home Saturday. Liz and Gary also drove out to Vernal on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Personally, I plan not to shop at any business holding a Veterans Day Sale. I think the day should be devoted to honoring our veterans, not scrambling to get the best buy on a new pair of jeans.Some of our holidays should be more sacred than sales oriented.

I also plan to start wearing my earbuds while shopping at WalMart ... any store that is already playing Christmas music.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.1957- Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.1957- Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal.Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.1957- Mark takes his aspirin, gets over his headache, and is able to concentrate on his classes. 2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.